Pay Attention to the Stand. Avoid the Comedy (or Tragedy)

When you’re first starting out on two wheels, you’re likely focused on the clutch, the brakes, and the countless traps of city traffic. The last thing on your mind is a 6-inch piece of metal: The Kickstand. You might think, “What’s the big deal? You kick it down, you flip it up, and that’s it.” But trust me, a tiny detail here can cost you a lot of money—and your pride.

In the motorcycling world, “stand-up” is a genre of comedy you never want to perform. Here is what I learned the hard way, and why your “beast” might decide to take an unannounced nap on the asphalt exactly when you least expect it:

• The Mystery of the Engine That “Won’t Start”: You’re geared up, ready to go, already sweating (from pure excitement), you hit the starter and… total silence. Before you panic and think you bought a lemon, check the kickstand. Most modern bikes have a safety sensor: if the stand is down and you try to pull away (or if you’re in gear), the engine cuts out instantly. It’s a lifesaver—it prevents you from leaning into your first left-hand turn with the stand out, which would catapult you into the air. Rule: If it won’t start, check the stand before you check the battery.
• The “Asphalt Chocolate” Trap: In the summer, fresh asphalt softens under the sun. Your kickstand focuses the entire weight of the motorcycle onto one tiny point. If you leave it like that, it will sink into the asphalt like a nail into butter. I got lucky—I became aware of this before I found my bike on the ground. At my first moto festival, the organizers handed me a small piece of wood at the entrance. I looked at them confused: “What am I supposed to do with this?” They explained that on soft dirt or grass, that wood is the bike’s “life insurance.” Without it, I would have found my bike lying in the mud the next morning. Now I know, and I’m telling you so you’ll know too. Pro Tip: Carry a plastic “puck” in your jacket pocket or crush a soda can under the stand if you’re parking on suspicious surfaces.
• The Dangerous “Downhill” Dance: Never park your motorcycle facing downhill. Gravity is working against you. A slight vibration or even a breeze can nudge the bike forward just a few inches—enough for the kickstand to fold back on its own. The sound of breaking plastic that follows will break your heart (and your wallet). How to do it right: Always park facing uphill (back it in) and leave the motorcycle in first gear. This is the “parking brake” most people forget they have.

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